I personally for myself believe depression comes first. I have been working on treating the depression for a long time. I take numerous medications. Some days are better than others. The bingeing lately has been bad. I may have to try another medicine like prozac. I have heard this helps with compulsions.

I've read that its in our genes, and childhood abuse is major cause. I've had problems since I was about 11. At 14 was my first real binge experience and of course I was seriously depressed I gained 60lbs. At 16 got pregnant and after my son I was so happy and in love things just came together. I ate right and was just NOT obsessed. It wasnt anything I did or didnt do. No diet.. Then at 20 got really depressed again and started back gaining..30 pounds. Then things got better and I just magically quit worrying about it...Its like life took all my attention away from the food. This last episode has lasted over two and a half years. Since me and my husband split up. So I think the depression starts it. Think about it. If every aspect of your life was inline. You had no stress, pressures, and you were just happy...would we really need the comfort of the binge?? I think the bingeing fills a need or void in our lives and then becomes a habit like drinking or smoking...

For me I think the bingeing came first. i was watching home videos of myself when i was 8 years old, full of confidence, I thought I was God's gift. (bordeline on conceited) I was singing, dancing, telling my whole life story. Then as I got a little older my mom couldn't control what i ate anymore, i went after junk like crazy, and there I am in a video at 12 years old (of course a little heavier by now, but not fat)and I don't say a single word, I have my walkman on the whole time at this party, trying to blend into the wall. It's like get fat, lose all self esteem, and get depressed because you think you are worthless; BUT the kicker is - if you lose the weight the self esteem doesn't come right back, the depression might stick around.

gotta say depends on the person for me it's a cycle, i get depressed so i eat, then i get depressed cause i ate and i eat cause i'm depressed... i'd say tackle the one that debilitates your life the most. i'm curently working on both at this moment, as they feed into eachother so much in my life. but i do know that focusing on food only makes me worse for the wear.